A normal body temperature is usually said to be 98.6°F (37°C), but this varies from person to person, can fluctuate depending on your age, activities and the time of day and depends on the method used to measure it. A normal temperature taken with a rectal or ear thermometer can be about a degree higher than an oral temperature, while an armpit or forehead measurement can be a degree lower. A reading between 97°F and 99°F is typical for an adult.

Fever is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. If you experience a fever after possibly being exposed to the new coronavirus, you should isolate yourself and be alert for worsening symptoms, especially difficulty breathing. When doing temperature screening for COVID-19, state and company guidelines use different thresholds for what is considered a fever, generally ranging from 99.5°F to 100.4°F. Seek medical attention if your temperature is above 103°F (for an adult or a child age 3 or older) or if a fever lasts more than a few days.